Islam Is One of the Oldest Religions

Islam facts state that the religion began in Saudi Arabia around 600 A.D., and was started by Mohammad in the holy city of Mecca. This is where Mohammad found out about Allah and began preaching. He was initially unable to attract many followers in Mecca and traveled to Medina where his teachings were better received.

Islam Means Peace

The Arabic meaning of the word Islam is “peace, security and surrender.” A person who practices Islam is called a Muslim, which means “one who peacefully surrenders to God.” Muslim does not refer to race or origin, but to a follower of Islam.

There Are Five Pillars of Practice in Islam

To be considered a true Muslim, these five pillars must be practiced with consistent effort. They include a declaration of faith in One God, and that Mohammad is a prophet of God, praying formally five times a day, giving 2.5% of excess wealth to the needy each year, pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, and fasting during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan.

There Are Six Articles Of Faith in Islam

The basic beliefs of faith in Islam are as follows: Muslims believe in One God and all of the true prophets of God. They also believe in the original scriptures revealed to Moses, David, Jesus and Mohammad. They believe in angels and the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter. The last belief focuses on destiny.

Islam Is One of the Fastest Growing Religions

Islam facts show that there are 1.57 billion Muslims in the world, which is 23% of the total population. Anyone can become a Muslim if they choose. They must make a statement called the shahadah, which bears witness to the beliefs that there is One God, and that Mohammad is a prophet of God.

Muslims Believe in Jesus but not all of His Doings

While Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet of God, they do not believe that he forgave all sin by being crucified on the cross and risen by God. Instead, Islam preaches that on the Day of Judgment, every person will be resurrected. They will then be held accountable for their actions in front of God. Muslims are continually praying for God’s acceptance and the forgiveness of their sins.

The Quran Is the Written Revelations of God

Islam is focused around the Quran, a written work by Mohammad and his companions. The text was authored by God, and revealed to Mohammad through the angel Gabriel. Even if all copies of the Quran were destroyed today, the message would live on. This is because millions of Muslims, called hafi, have memorized the entire Quran, letter by letter.

Terrorist Acts Committed in the Name of Allah are not Endorsed by Islam

Terrorism and violence is not supported by Islam. Civilian murder and threats are forbidden in the religion. Islam is meant to bring peace to society and its members are instructed to be peaceful members of society. Acts of terrorism that are declared in the name of Islam are not a true representation of the religion.

Women are not Oppressed in Islam

Islam facts show that, contrary to popular belief, women are not oppressed by Muslim men. Islam does not prohibit women from earning money, owning property, getting an education, gaining an inheritance, voting, worshiping or from seeking a divorce. Mohammad preached that “…the best among you are those who treat their wives well.”

Devout Muslim women wear a head covering called a hijab to fulfill God’s decrees to dress modestly. A head covering has long been popular with many religious women of different denominations, including Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary.

Arranged Marriages Are Allowed in Islam

Arranged marriages are allowed, and are still practiced in some corners of the globe by Muslims. However, one of the conditions for a valid Islamic marriage contract is that both members being joined in marriage must consent. Divorce is also allowed in Islam, and may be initiated by either member. For a divorce to be granted, guidelines must be followed that protect all affected parties, including women, children, and even unborn children if applicable.

Muslims Face a Stone Structure During Prayer

Muslims pray five times a day, and, when they do, they must face the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, no matter where they are on the planet. The Kaaba is a stone structure in the shape of a cube that was constructed by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. They do not do this to worship the Kaaba, but to remain uniform in worship, and as a sign of their common beliefs. There is nothing actually in the Kaaba.

The Islamic Golden Age Focused on Intelligence

Between the 8th and 13th centuries, Muslims were influenced by the part of the Quran that stated “the ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr.” This led to a focus on science, astronomy, chemistry, physics, mathematics, medicine and philosophy throughout the Islamic culture.

A House of Wisdom was created, where scholars of all religions could come together and translate important works of knowledge into Arabic. This preserved many classic works, which were eventually translated into other languages, including Hebrew and Latin.

The Islamic World Is Responsible for Many Inventions

Muslims discovered citric acid and are responsible for the ideas of teaching hospitals and marching bands. They also invented the guitar, lute and water pipe. They were pioneers in algebra and the laws of refraction. They were also behind the development of coffee.

Islam Believes in Many Prophets

Muslims believe that, over the years, there have been over 124,000 prophets sent by God to mankind to guide them and teach them the ways of Islam. Only 25 are mentioned by name in the Quran, though. The earliest was Adam, and the final prophet was Mohammad.

Jihad Does Not Mean Holy War in Islam

Jihad is proclaimed by many who misrepresent Islam. The actual translation means to strive or struggle. It is considered by some to be the sixth pillar of Islam, but this has no official status.

Islam Facts – Facts about Islam Summary

Islam facts show that it is one of the most widely followed religions in the world. It is also one of the oldest. It has been misrepresented by people with ill intentions, and is actually a religion of peace and acceptance. There are many misunderstandings about the religion and its followers’ culture.